Casa Carvajal, designed and constructed by Spanish architect Javier Carvajal in the mid-1960s, is an exemplar of brutalist architecture. It embodies a unique blend of innovation, functionality, and profound aesthetic sensitivity. Located in Somosaguas, Madrid, the house is not merely a residential structure but an example of Carvajal’s visionary approach and his ability to harmonize architecture with the natural environment.
Casa Carvajal Technical Information
- Architects: Javier Carvajal
- Location: Somosaguas, Madrid, Spain
- Topics: Brutalist Architecture
- Area: 1,000 m2
- Site: 4,800 m2
- Project Year: 1967 – 1968
- Photographs: © Cristina Rodríguez de Acuña, © Valeria Ozuna
If I had to choose one of his works, and it is difficult, I would choose his house in Somosaguas. A house he made for the most difficult client, himself.
– Alberto Campo Baeza
Casa Carvajal Photographs
Architectural Vision and Execution
Carvajal’s inspiration for Casa Carvajal was deeply rooted in the architectural heritage of the Alhambra, reflecting his belief that future Spanish architecture should embrace its Arab legacy. The house is designed around two interior patios that create a figure-eight flow, facilitating a unique lifestyle that fosters varied levels of interaction among its inhabitants. This design choice is a nod to traditional Spanish courtyard houses and a masterful exercise in spatial organization and fluidity.
The residence, a single-story structure, is built on a slope using three platforms that adhere to the land’s natural contours. This integration with the terrain is further accentuated by the use of exposed concrete, a hallmark of brutalist architecture, which lends the house a sculptural quality. Despite the inherent coldness often associated with concrete, Carvajal’s design creates a warm and inviting interior atmosphere, a testament to his skill in balancing materiality and spatial experience.
Spatial Dynamics and Light
One of Casa Carvajal’s most striking features is its manipulation of light. Large windows and expansive roofs ensure natural light constantly bathes the interior spaces, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. The subtle changes in illumination highlight the textured concrete surfaces and enhance the connection between the interior and the surrounding natural landscape.
The house’s interior is a series of interconnected spaces that flow seamlessly into one another, facilitated by small-level changes of two or three steps. This design strategy defines different areas within the house and promotes a sense of continuity and openness. The patios and large windows serve as visual and physical extensions of the interior, drawing the outside in and creating a serene, contemplative environment.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Casa Carvajal’s cultural significance is underscored by its recognition and use in various artistic and cinematic endeavors. The University of Hamburg awarded the house the Fritz Schumacher Prize in 1969, a prestigious honor. It also served as a key location for Carlos Saura’s film “La Madriguera,” where it played a silent yet omnipresent role, almost as if it were another character in the drama.
The house has been home to various notable figures, including Carvajal himself, writer Blanca García Valdecasas, and Chilean ambassador Enrique Campos Menéndez. Its historical and architectural importance has led to a proposal by the Community of Madrid to declare it a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC), recognizing it as one of Spain’s most representative houses of the era.
Contemporary Reflections
In “Miradas cruzadas LA CASA CARVAJAL,” author Cristina Rodríguez de Acuña Martínez offers a multifaceted exploration of the house. The book combines the perspectives of various architects who studied under Carvajal, providing insights into the architectural discipline, personal experiences, and the house’s enduring impact. Rodríguez de Acuña’s photographs capture the phenomenological essence of the house, revealing how its spaces and forms interact with light, time, and the human presence.
Architects such as Alberto Campo Baeza and Ignacio Vicens y Hualde laud Casa Carvajal for its expressive qualities and spatial complexity. Campo Baeza, in particular, regards it as Carvajal’s finest work, a sentiment echoed by Vicens, who highlights the masterful articulation of spaces and the daring use of cantilevers that challenge the perceived weight of the concrete structure.
Casa Carvajal Plans
Casa Carvajal Image Gallery
About Javier Carvajal
Javier Carvajal (1926-2013) was a renowned Spanish architect celebrated for his innovative contributions to mid-20th century architecture. Known for his distinctive use of brutalist principles, Carvajal’s work masterfully integrated modernist aesthetics with traditional Spanish elements. His most notable project, Casa Carvajal in Somosaguas, exemplifies his ability to harmonize architectural form with natural surroundings, earning him significant accolades such as the Fritz Schumacher Prize. Carvajal’s legacy continues to influence contemporary architectural thought and practice.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Miradas cruzadas LA CASA CARVAJAL by Cristina Rodríguez de Acuña Martínez
- Arquitectura en extinción: Casa Carvajal, una maravilla brutalista en Madrid by Itziar Narro (2020)
